Bringing You The Candidates

April 25, 2006

Six Suffolk School Board candidates are running for four seats. Incumbents William L. Whitley and Lorraine B. Skeeter are running unopposed. Incumbent William N. "Billy" Hill is running against Enoch C. "E.C." Copeland for the Holy Neck Borough seat, and Mary Wilson Copeland and Michael J. Debranski, both challengers, are running for the vacant Suffolk Borough seat.

Any interesting tidbits that voters might want to know about you? Youngest of 12 children, born to Joseph and Mary L. Copeland

Why should someone vote for you? He vows to provide an active voice and listen to the citizens and visit schools often.

If elected, what specific things would you do to improve Suffolk schools? Promote neighborhood elementary schools. Work to eliminate all mobile classrooms throughout the city. Support raising teacher salaries. Promote middle school athletics. *

SUFFOLK BOROUGH

MICHAEL J. DEBRANSKI

Challenger

Age: 62.

Years in Suffolk: 39

Occupation: Retired teacher and principal. Owner of Jostens of Suffolk

Education: Bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary, master's degree and certificate of advanced studies from Old Dominion University, doctorate degree from Virginia Tech

Why should someone vote for you? He pledges to "demand, implement, and provide the resources to reduce class sizes" in reading, math, science and social studies. Hold teachers with reduced

class sizes accountable.

If elected, what specific things would you do to improve Suffolk schools? Adopt stricter standards of behavior. Ensure a challenging curriculum by adopting programs such as the International Baccalaureate and other programs that promote science, technology and other core subjects. Support testing students "early and often" to identify problem areas. *

Any interesting tidbits that voters might want to know about you? Lifelong resident of Suffolk.

Why should someone vote for you? Experience as a student, teacher and parent.Very focused

If elected, what would you do to improve Suffolk schools? Work to make schools safer, reduce class sizes and improve standardized test scores. Develop a plan to monitor out-of-school suspensions. Support higher salaries for staff. *